Feedback ...

Getting straight to the point...

How do you respond to feedback?

Do you feel that little knot in your stomach?

That slight defensive twitch?

Yeah, I thought so.

Here's the thing: feedback is like that friend who tells you there's spinach in your teeth!

Sure, it might be momentarily embarrassing, but wouldn't you rather know than walk around all day with green bits showing?

Let's dive into this whole feedback thing and figure out how to turn what feels like a punch in the gut into your secret weapon for growth.

The Nature of Feedback

Not all feedback is created equal.

Some of it's pure gold, some of it's well-intentioned but misguided, and yeah, some of it's just plain unhelpful.

But here's where most of us mess up – we tend to lump it all together in the "Ouch, That Hurts" category.

Remember that time your colleague pointed out that your presentations were a bit... shall we say, text-heavy? Your first reaction might have been to defend your love affair with bullet points. But once the sting wore off, you probably realized they had a point. (And let's be honest, nobody actually reads all those bullet points anyway!)

"Feedback is the breakfast of champions." - Ken Blanchard

Receiving Feedback with Gratitude

Here's a radical thought: what if... instead of bracing for impact when feedback comes your way, you welcomed it?

I know, I know – easier said than done... stick with me here.

Start with two simple words: "Thank you." And actually, mean it. Because whether the feedback is spot-on or slightly off-piste, someone cared enough to share their perspective with you.

Think about it: when was the last time you got feedback that, although initially stung like a paper cut soaked in lemon juice, actually helped you level up? (or that could have if you had actually listened to what they were saying rather than switching off because your inner alarm bells were going "Warning: Criticism Incoming!")

Separating Feedback from Personal Criticism

Let's get something straight: feedback isn't a personal attack on your character, your choices, or that questionable haircut you got in 2009. (Though maybe that last one deserved a little bit of feedback...)

"Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots." - Frank A. Clark

It's not about YOU – it's about your actions, your work, or your approach.

And that's fantastic news because those things? You can change them!

And at the end of the day you want to be performing at your best, right?

The Feedback Loop

Here's where the magic happens, folks.

When you start viewing feedback as a GPS rather than a judgment, everything shifts.

It's not telling you you're lost – it's helping you find a better route - not saying that there's anything wrong with your current route - just that there may be a way that is a bit of a short cut or has a more picturesque view.

"The only way to get better is to surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth." - Kat Cole

Think about it like this: every piece of feedback is a potential upgrade to your personal operating system. But just like your phone's updates, they only work if you actually install them.

The real power move? Taking that feedback and turning it into action. That's when you go from playing defence to scoring goals.

Time to Level Up!

FYI: feedback isn't going anywhere.

It's part of the game of life, work, and everything in between.

But YOU get to choose how you play it.

You can either be the person who treats feedback like it's a personal insult, or you can be the badass who uses it as rocket fuel for growth!

So... next time someone offers you feedback, what's it going to be?

Will you defend, deflect, and deny?

Or will you take a deep breath, say thank you, and use it to level up?

The choice is yours. But I know which one leads to greatness.

With love & a gentle nudge toward growth,

Sam x

P.S. Next time you get feedback, try this: instead of immediately responding, take a breath and ask yourself, "What if they're right?" Game-changer, I promise!